An examination of the ways in which economic evidence filters into policy debates
in India has demonstrated that a new approach is needed: one that is (1) inclusive,
(2) rigorous, and (3) responsive. As it stands, there are a range of commentators
on the Indian economy, however, a common platform for systematically exchanging
and debating ideas between these various individuals is missing.

Ideas for India is an economics and policy portal that is intended
to be this common platform and source for ideas and evidence on policy issues in
India and will be a complement to the print media. By serving as an ideologically
neutral space for economists, other social scientists and practitioners to use their
research and experience to weigh in on key policy questions, Ideas for India hopes
to inject more evidence into policy debates, and make these discussions more accessible
to specialists and non-specialists interested in the issues of growth and development
in India.

The portal adopts an approach that is (a) Inclusive with respect to the ideologies
of commentators, types of evidence on which the articles are based, policy issues
addressed and the technical proficiency of intended audience, (b) Rigorous
in ensuring that the policy debates are centred on evidence that is methodologically
and analytically sound, and (c) Responsive in allowing for the vast body
of evidence that has been generated over several decades of study of the Indian
economy to be drawn upon when a particular policy question becomes centre-stage.

The portal targets a wide audience including but not limited to policymakers, academics
and researchers, NGOs, civil society and other advocacy organisations, as well as
non-specialists that are interested in development and growth policy issues.

Ideas for India has been set up by a group of economists
interested in Indian growth and development policy, and is funded by the
International Growth Centre. IGC is funded by the Department for International
Development (DfID), UK Government, and jointly directed by the London School of
Economics (LSE) and University of Oxford. To view a list of all completed IGC India
Central research projects, please
click here.

The views expressed in the posts are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily
reflect those of the I4I Editorial Board.

This website is managed by the International Growth Centre, funded by UKaid from
the Department for International Development. The views expressed do not necessarily
reflect official policy, and use of the website is under the terms of use for the website of the London School of
Economics and Political Science.